AP Comparative Politics and Government is a college-level course that introduces students to the study of politics and government in different countries around the world. The course aims to develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills by examining the similarities and differences among political systems, institutions, and policies across different countries and regions. Students will gain an understanding of the key concepts, theories, and debates in comparative politics and develop the ability to analyze and evaluate political phenomena in a comparative perspective.

The course covers a range of topics, including political systems and regimes, constitutions and the rule of law, elections and political participation, political parties and interest groups, executives and legislatures, bureaucracies and public policy, civil society and political culture, comparative methodology and research methods. Throughout the course, students will engage in class discussions, debates, and simulations to deepen their understanding of comparative politics and develop their communication and collaboration skills.

You are going to examine the political institutions and processes of six different countries—China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom—and compare the ways they address problems. You’ll analyze data and readings to draw conclusions about political systems.

The AP Comparative Politics and Government course is designed to prepare students for the AP Comparative Politics and Government exam, which assesses their knowledge and skills in the subject area. The exam consists of two sections: multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. The multiple-choice section tests students' knowledge of the course content and concepts, while the free-response section assesses their ability to analyze and evaluate political phenomena in a comparative perspective. By successfully completing the AP Comparative Politics and Government course and exam, students can earn college credit and demonstrate their mastery of the subject to colleges and universities.

Work Expectations. We anticipate a weekly time commitment of one "good day equivalent" for this course, dedicated solely to your studies and free from social distractions. This would amount to around eight hours each week for reading, writing, and critical thinking. It is recommended to spread out your reading time for this course over several days. Additionally, you will need several more "good day equivalents" throughout the semester to prepare for the assignments